Income Tax Hike...

The new city manager can't tell council or any other member of the group running the city what he thinks, UNLESS it complies with the city doctrine and is in line with the theme. We all saw what happens when a city manager, or any other city official rocks the boat when Adkins was given the boot. He towed the line under the Gilleland administration and did fine. As soon as he stepped on the toes of some customer downtown and a downtown business owner objected, he angered the downtown group, who really run this city, and they insisted he be gone. With their two buddies swaying council, not long afterward, he was out. This city has always worked that way. We have always had an inner circle of influence. If you are in that group, are loyal and play the game, you will succeed and advance in importance. If not, you get the boot ala Adkins. I would imagine all organizations are like that with no dissention tolerated if you want to stay in good standing. Political parties are notorious for that.

The downtown area......no matter how they try to sell it. No matter how they try and glamourize and promote it, will still be an economic wasteland down there. Has been now for over a decade. The "upscale advances" in occupying the stores with overpriced coffee shops, overpriced artzy nick knack shops, and overpriced "specialty", small portion, fru fru restaurants like Gracies has taken over giving way to the stores that Middletown shoppers really are interested in and that match their wallets. They live in a dream world down there. What they offer, 90% of Middletown either doesn't want, isn't interested in, or can't afford. Totally out of touch with the city demographics. They have no clue concerning the make-up of Middletown. You put a McD's, Little Ceasars or Cici's pizza buffet in downtown and they would be the busiest businesses down there. Middletown customers can identify with those types of businesses, not upscale fru fru.

The income tax levy? Taxing is the only thing they know as to revenue generation. Asking people for money is the easiest way to generate it. If they took the other route and actually tried to bring more business in here for revenue, it would be too hard and probably beyond the economic development dept's ability or skill level to accomplish. Just look at this department's past successes. Not a great track record for sure. We do not have progressive, innovative professionals in key positions working at the city building. Couple of notches below that I would guess. Just collecting a paycheck and calling it a day. It is the culture down at the city building to hire mediocre people for key job functions. Has been for a long time. Otherwise, this city would be in much better shape with a reputation to match. As it is now, we are nothing more than Franklin's ugly stepsister. Wasn't always that way. Even tiny little Monroe has surpassed us on new ideas and modernizing their town theme. It is now more desirable to live there as well as they have planned in accordance with the times offering a decent little town to live in with all the amenities. Current and past Middletown leaders have given no thought as to upgrading the city with more modern trends. We could use some upgraded residents as well. Gangs, criminals and lower tier people looking for a handout just don't seem to attract decent people to your city do they. Neither does a consistently poor performing school system. JMO

Not posted the above and have requested it be removed, it's been 5 years since looking st the site. The levy or tax rate is in line with Hamilton. I support it, voted for Judge, and houses are selling well. No knowledge of tennis team but see everyone wearing masks.

I'd love to say that was sarcasm...however it wasn't - it was based upon a tweet from Jake Ryle of WCPO.  Looks like another nail in the coffin of our great city.  It just gets worse each day.